Electroluminescent umbrella

ABSTRACT

An electroluminescent umbrella includes an umbrella shaft; a collapsible canopy frame carried by the umbrella shaft; an umbrella canopy carried by the umbrella shaft, at least a portion of the umbrella canopy being electroluminescent; and an electrical power source electrically connected to the at least a portion of the umbrella canopy. The electroluminescent panels can cover a portion or a majority of the canopy. The electroluminescent panels can present a logo, an image, or an animated image. Examples of animated images include a series of dynamic volume indicator bars, which can illuminate in synchronization with music or other audible inputs, a clock that can present actual time, an animated logo, and others. The electroluminescent panels can be operated by a manual switch or by using an integrated switch, wherein the process or opening the umbrella activates the electroluminescent panels.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Patent Cooperative Treaty (PCT) Application claims priority to Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/560,861 filed on Nov. 17, 2011, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to umbrellas. More particularly, the invention relates to an umbrella having electroluminescent canopy panels or electroluminescent logos or other designs on the canopy panels.

2. Background Art

The purpose of the invention is to provide an apparatus for transporting large objects such as vehicles. Vehicle transport systems, commonly referred to as tow trucks, have been evolving in parallel with the automobile. There are several classifications of towing equipment, including a boom, a hook and chain, a wheel-lift, a flatbed, and an integrated system.

Portable electronic equipment and computer data terminals of video display systems frequently utilize liquid crystal displays (LCD's). Liquid-crystal displays may require some form of backlighting which imparts functional brightness and visibility to the video display. The backlighting of LCD's may utilize electroluminescent panels to provide the necessary light intensity. Electroluminescent backlight panels typically include an electroluminescent material that emits visible light when actuated by an alternating current.

Umbrellas have long been used to shelter people from inclement weather and the sun. A conventional umbrella includes an umbrella shaft fitted with a handle. A collapsible canopy is supported by canopy ribs, wherein the canopy ribs are pivotally attached to the umbrella shaft. A runner is slidably mounted on the umbrella shaft and multiple stretcher arms are pivotally attached to the runner and to the respective canopy ribs. The umbrella canopy is selectively deployed by sliding the runner up the umbrella shaft and selectively collapsed by sliding the runner downwardly on the umbrella shaft. Some businesses such as hotels and the like sell umbrellas the canopies of which display logos that advertise or represent the business for advertising purposes when the umbrella canopy is deployed.

Placing logos and other designs on the exterior surfaces of umbrella canopies is a long-standing practice. Logos or other designs are placed on an umbrella canopy using paint or ink, which is typically applied using conventional printing techniques. Therefore, logos or other designs that are printed on an umbrella canopy are typically not visible in a dark or semi-dark environment. Moreover, because they have been used for many years, printed logos or designs may lack the eye-catching attributes or visual appeal, which may be desirable in advertising or other applications.

Therefore, an electroluminescent umbrella having electroluminescent canopy panels or electroluminescent logos or other designs on the canopy panels may be useful or desirable for some applications.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure is generally directed to an electroluminescent umbrella having electroluminescent canopy panels or electroluminescent logos or other designs on the canopy panels. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the umbrella canopy may be electroluminescent. In some embodiments, electroluminescent logos or other designs may be provided on the umbrella canopy.

The electroluminescent umbrella may include:

-   -   an umbrella shaft;     -   a collapsible canopy frame carried by the umbrella shaft;     -   an umbrella canopy carried by the collapsible canopy frame, the         umbrella canopy forming a convex surface and an opposite concave         surface when deployed and at least a portion of the umbrella         canopy comprising an electroluminescent material;     -   an electrical power source; and     -   an electroluminescent drive circuit obtaining electrical power         via electrical communication with the electrical power source         and illuminating the electroluminescent material of the umbrella         canopy via electrical communication therewith.

In a second aspect, the umbrella canopy forms a convex surface and an opposite concave surface when deployed.

In another aspect, the electroluminescent material directs emitting light outward from the convex canopy surface.

In another aspect, the electroluminescent material directs emitting light outward from the concave canopy surface.

In another aspect, the electroluminescent umbrella further comprises a switch in signal communication with the electroluminescent drive circuit, wherein the switch provides operational control for illuminating the electroluminescent material of the umbrella canopy.

In another aspect, the electroluminescent umbrella further comprises a switch in signal communication with the electroluminescent drive circuit, wherein the switch provides operational control for illuminating the electroluminescent material of the umbrella canopy.

In another aspect, the switch provides operational control for illuminating the electroluminescent material of the umbrella canopy, the switch automatically activates the electroluminescent drive circuit to illuminate the electroluminescent material when the canopy transitions from a collapsed configuration into a deployed configuration.

In another aspect, the electroluminescent material is designed forming an image, the image comprising a series of features, each feature having an independently controlled electroluminescent segment.

In another aspect, the image is animated by an illumination pattern provided by the electroluminescent drive circuit.

In another aspect, the electroluminescent material is fabricated comprising a light transmissive cover layer covering at least one electroluminating layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various illustrative embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an electroluminescent umbrella;

FIG. 2 is a sectional elevation view of the electroluminescent umbrella introduced in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of an electroluminescent umbrella, with an electroluminescent logo and various electroluminescent designs on the umbrella canopy of the umbrella;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another alternative exemplary embodiment of an electroluminescent umbrella, comprising electroluminescent logos and electroluminescent dynamic volume indicator bars on the umbrella canopy of the umbrella;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another alternative illustrative embodiment of an electroluminescent umbrella, comprising electroluminescent logos and an electroluminescent clock on the umbrella canopy of the umbrella;

FIG. 6 is a schematic wiring diagram of an exemplary control circuit which is suitable for implementation of an illustrative embodiment of the electroluminescent umbrella; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the umbrella canopy of an illustrative embodiment of the electroluminescent umbrella.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the illustrative embodiments described herein are not exhaustive and embodiments or implementations other than those which are described herein and which fall within the scope of the appended claims are possible. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. Relative terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “above”, “below”, “top”, “horizontal” and “vertical” as used herein are intended for descriptive purposes only and are not necessarily intended to be construed in a limiting sense.

A first exemplary embodiment of an electroluminescent umbrella, hereinafter umbrella 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7. As illustrated in FIG. 2, in some embodiments the umbrella 100 may include an elongated umbrella shaft 101 having an umbrella shaft interior 102. An umbrella handle 106 of selected design and configuration may be provided at a base end of the umbrella shaft 101. The umbrella handle 106 may include an umbrella handle interior 107. A handle cap 108 may terminate the lower end of the umbrella handle 106.

A collapsible canopy frame 120 may be provided on an upper end of the umbrella shaft 101. The canopy frame 120 may include multiple frame ribs 121 a proximal end of each of which is pivotally attached to the umbrella shaft 101 at a corresponding frame rib hinge 124. A runner 126 may be slidably mounted on the umbrella shaft 101. Each of multiple stretcher arms 130 may be pivotally attached to the runner 126 at a corresponding runner hinge 131 and to each frame rib 121 at a corresponding rib hinge 132. A flexible umbrella canopy 136 may be provided on the umbrella shaft 101. Responsive to sliding of the runner 126 on the umbrella shaft 101, the umbrella canopy 136 is configurable between the open or deployed configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and a closed or collapsed configuration (not illustrated) typically in the conventional manner. In some embodiments, a release button (not illustrated) may be provided on the umbrella shaft 101 to facilitate automatic, spring-assisted deployment of the umbrella canopy 136 as is well known by those skilled in the art. When deployed, the flexible umbrella canopy 136 can be defined as having a convex canopy surface 180 and a concave canopy surface 182. The convex canopy surface 180 is the surface that is exposed to the elements. The concave canopy surface 182 is the surface that is shaded or protected from the elements.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the umbrella canopy 136 may include canopy panels 137, which span adjacent frame ribs 121 of the canopy frame 120. An electroluminescent panel 138 is integrated into one or more of the canopy panels 137. In some embodiments, the electroluminescent panels 138 may cover each canopy panel 137 to be continuous with each other throughout the umbrella canopy 136. In other embodiments, the electroluminescent panels 138 may be discrete units adjacent ones of which may be attached to each other according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Any number of the canopy panels 137 of the umbrella 100 can include an electroluminescent panel 138. In the exemplary embodiment, all of the canopy panels 137 are configured comprising the electroluminescent panel 138.

Details of an exemplary pliant electroluminescent panel 138 are provided in a cross sectional view illustrated in FIG. 7. Each pliant electroluminescent panel 138 may include a rear electrode 139; an insulating layer 140 on the rear electrode 139; an electroluminescent layer 141 on the insulating layer 140; and a transparent electrode 142 on the electroluminescent layer 141. The transparent electrode 142 may have an illuminated surface 143. Each of the rear electrode 139, the insulating layer 140, the electroluminescent layer 141 and the transparent electrode 142 is a flexible sheet. Electrical current 144 may be applied to the rear electrode 139 and the transparent electrode 142 through a suitable electrical conduit 116, as will be hereinafter described. Accordingly, upon application of the electrical current 144 to the rear electrode 139 and the transparent electrode 142, the electrical current 144 illuminates the electroluminescent layer 141, causing the emission of light 145 from the illuminated surface 143, as is known by those skilled in the art. The emitted light 145 imparts a visible glow to the pliant electroluminescent panel 138. The panel can include a series of subsections, where each subsection can be independently illuminated. This enables the system to become animated for images such as the electroluminescent dynamic volume indicator bars 350; the electroluminescent clock 455, and other such images. A light transmissive cover layer 146 can be assembled covering the pliant electroluminescent panel 138. The light transmissive cover layer 146 can be a clear material, tinted translucent material, and the like. The electroluminescent panel 138 emits a single color. The light transmissive cover layer 146 can be sectioned into different color segments to present an image having multiple colors. For example, the electroluminescent dynamic volume indicator bars 350 are configured with a plurality of colors, as identified by different shadings. The individual electroluminescent panel subsections would be controllably illuminated to display the desired colors. The electroluminescent panels 138 can be oriented directing emitted light 145 outward from the convex canopy surface 180. This configuration enables observation of the illuminated electroluminescent panels 138 by others. Alternatively, the electroluminescent panels 138 can be oriented directing emitted light 145 outward from the concave canopy surface 182. This configuration enables observation of the illuminated electroluminescent panels 138 by the user.

A control circuit 160, illustrated in FIG. 6, operates the pliant electroluminescent panels 138 of the umbrella canopy 136 may be provided in the umbrella handle interior 107 of the umbrella handle 106, as illustrated in FIG. 2. An exemplary control circuit 160, which is suitable for the purpose, is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,923, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the control circuit 160 may include a main battery 112. A switch 110 may be connected to the main battery 112. The main battery 112 parallels to ground 170, a filtering network 162 which stabilizes any variations in the voltage of the main raw battery 112. The main raw battery 112 may be further connected to an interface transformer 163 to transfer power to and from each pliant electroluminescent panel 138. The interface transformer 163 connects to the pliant electroluminescent panel 138 through a series blocking capacitor 164, which functions to eliminate any direct-current components that may be present in an electroluminescent panel electric mesh 171.

The main raw battery 112 electrically connects through the interface transformer 163 to a p channel metal oxide semiconductor charge control transistor 166 (PMOS). Each pliant electroluminescent panel 138 additionally electrically connects through the interface transformer 163 to a PMOS discharge control transistor 167 (PMOS). The PMOS charge control transistor 166 controls the charge cycle of the pliant electroluminescent panel 138 whereas the PMOS discharge control transistor 167 controls the discharge cycle of the pliant electroluminescent panel 138. This configuration essentially implements a flyback power supply to provide power to each pliant electroluminescent panel 138 and to recover a portion of that power to recharge the main battery 112.

When a charge signal is applied to a gate 168 of the PMOS charge control transistor 166 (such as by actuation of the switch 110), the charge control transistor 166 is turned on, causing electrical current to flow through the main battery electric mesh 171. The current flowing through the main battery electric mesh 171 flows through the interface transformer 163 and thereby induces current to flow in a panel mesh 172. A gate 169 of the discharge control transistor 167 is held low during the charging cycle. In this configuration during the charging cycle, the discharge control transistor 167 essentially acts as a forward-biased junction diode due to the characteristic behavior of its internal semiconductor junctions. The junction diode of the discharge control transistor 167 allows the induced canopy panel electric mesh 172 to flow in only one direction, thereby charging the pliant electroluminescent panel 138. Thus, energy flows from the main battery 112 into the pliant electroluminescent panel 138.

During the charging process, energy is transferred from the main raw battery 112 to the pliant electroluminescent panel 138. A portion of the energy supplied to the pliant electroluminescent panel 138 is dissipated as light 145 (FIG. 7). Another portion of the energy supplied to the pliant electroluminescent panel 138 dissipates through inherent power losses such as heat. The remainder of the energy supplied to the pliant electroluminescent panel 138 may be capacitively stored therein.

Control of the discharge of the energy capacitatively stored in each pliant electroluminescent panel 138 may be accomplished by applying a discharge signal to the gate 169 of the discharge control transistor 167. The discharge control transistor 167 is turned on, causing current to flow in the canopy panel electric mesh 172. The gate 168 of the charge control transistor 166 is held low during the discharge cycle causing it to function as a junction diode in the same manner as the discharge control transistor 167 functioned during the charge cycle. Thus, when one of the transistors 166, 167 functions as a switch the other transistor 166, 167 functions as a diode.

During the discharge cycle the reverse of the charge cycle occurs. Accordingly, the energy capacitively stored in the pliant electroluminescent panel 138 as electric charge flows in the panel mesh 172 when the discharge control transistor 167 is turned on. The current flowing through the panel mesh 172 flows through the interface transformer 163 inducing a current to flow in the battery mesh 171. The junction diode of the charge control transistor 166 allows the induced current to flow in only one direction in the battery mesh 171, thereby recharging the main raw battery 112. Thus, the energy stored capacitively in the pliant electroluminescent panel 138 flows back into the main raw battery 112.

As was noted herein above, a switch 110 (FIG. 2) is electrically connected to the main raw battery 112 (FIG. 6) in such a manner that actuation of the switch 110 establishes flow of electrical current from the main raw battery 112 the pliant electroluminescent panel 138 through the electrical conduit 116. In some embodiments, the switch 110 may be provided in the umbrella handle 106, as illustrated in FIG. 2, to facilitate manual illumination of the pliant electroluminescent panels 138 of the umbrella canopy 136. In other embodiments, the switch 110 may include a pair of first and second switch contacts (not illustrated) which are provided on the runner 126 and the umbrella shaft 101, respectively, such that the first switch contact on the runner 126 establishes electrical contact with the second switch contact on the umbrella shaft 101 when the umbrella canopy 136 is deployed. Thus, the pliant electroluminescent panels 138 of the umbrella canopy 136 are automatically illuminated upon deployment of the umbrella canopy 136. Conversely, electrical contact between the first switch contact and the second switch contact is broken to de-illuminate the pliant electroluminescent panels 138 as the runner 126 is moved downwardly on the umbrella shaft 126 upon closing of the umbrella canopy 136.

Referring next to FIG. 3 of the drawings, an alternative illustrative embodiment of the electroluminescent umbrella is generally indicated by reference numeral 200. In the electroluminescent umbrella 200, elements which are analogous to the respective elements designated in the 100-199 series of the electroluminescent umbrella 100 that was heretofore described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 are designated by the same numeral in the 200-299 series in FIG. 3. A control circuit 160 (FIG. 6) of the umbrella 200 is electrically connected to a selected portion or portions of each canopy panel 238. Accordingly, an electroluminescent logo 246 may be provided on at least one canopy panel 238. Various electroluminescent designs 248 may be provided on one or more of the other canopy panels 238. Each electroluminescent logo 246 and each electroluminescent design 248 may have an electronic structure which is similar to that heretofore described with respect to FIG. 7. The control circuit 160 is electrically connected to each electroluminescent logo 246 and each electroluminescent design 248 such that operation of the control circuit 160 as was heretofore described illuminates each electroluminescent logo 246 and each electroluminescent design 248 to the exclusion of the surrounding area or areas of the canopy panel 238.

Another alternative exemplary embodiment is presented as an electroluminescent umbrella 300, which is illustrated in FIG. 4. In the electroluminescent umbrella 300, elements that are analogous to the respective elements designated in the 100-199 series of the electroluminescent umbrella 100 that was heretofore described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 are designated by the same numeral in the 300-399 series in FIG. 4. Accordingly, an electroluminescent logo 346 may be provided on at least one canopy panel 338. A set of electroluminescent dynamic volume indicator bars 350 may be provided on at least one canopy panel 338. Each electroluminescent logo 346 and each set of electroluminescent dynamic volume indicator bars 350 may have an electronic structure which is similar to that heretofore described with respect to FIG. 7. A control circuit 160 (FIG. 6) may be electrically connected to each electroluminescent logo 346 such that operation of the control circuit 160 as was heretofore described illuminates each electroluminescent logo 346 to the exclusion of the surrounding area or areas of the canopy panel 338.

In some embodiments, the control circuit 160 may include components that facilitate progressive elongation of the electroluminescent dynamic volume control bars 350 in response to and in proportion to the volume of music, noise or other ambient sounds. For example and without limitation, in some embodiments a potentiometer (not illustrated) may interface with the electroluminescent dynamic volume indicator bars 350. A CPU (not illustrated) may interface with the potentiometer. A microphone (not illustrated) may interface with the CPU. Accordingly, the microphone picks up the ambient sounds and the CPU operates the potentiometer corresponding to the volume of the ambient sounds picked up by the microphone. The potentiometer varies the electrical voltage to the electroluminescent dynamic volume indicator bars 350 such that the lengths of the electroluminescent dynamic volume indicator bars 350 vary in response and in proportion to the volume of the ambient sounds.

Another alternative exemplary embodiment is presented as an electroluminescent umbrella 400, which is illustrated in FIG. 5. In the electroluminescent umbrella 400, elements that are analogous to the respective elements designated in the 100-199 series of the electroluminescent umbrella 100 that was heretofore described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 are designated by the same numeral in the 400-499 series in FIG. 5. An electroluminescent logo 446 may be provided on at least one canopy panel 438. An electroluminescent clock 455 may be provided on at least one canopy panel 438. The electroluminescent clock 455 may include a clock face 456 and clock hands 457 on the clock face 456. Each electroluminescent logo 446 and each electroluminescent clock 455 may have an electronic structure which is similar to that heretofore described with respect to FIG. 7. The electroluminescent clock 455 can include a series of electroluminescent segments representative of the clock hands 457 in various positions. This enables actual operation and presentation of a functional clock. A control circuit 160 (FIG. 6) may be electrically connected to each electroluminescent logo 446 such that operation of the control circuit 160 as was heretofore described illuminates each electroluminescent logo 446 to the exclusion of the surrounding area or areas of the canopy panel 438.

In some embodiments, the control circuit 160 may include components which facilitate movement of the clock hands 457 around the clock face 456 of the electroluminescent clock 455 over time. For example and without limitation, in some embodiments a CPU (not illustrated) may interface with the electroluminescent clock 455. A timer (not illustrated) may interface with the CPU. Accordingly, responsive to input from the timer, the CPU operates the clock hands 457 of the electroluminescent clock 455 at such a rate that the clock hands 457 keep track of time and indicate the elapsing time on the clock face 456.

It is understood that the exemplary electroluminescent umbrella 100 can include additional features commonly known in the umbrella industry, including collapsible frames, dual layer venting umbrellas, and the like.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be recognized and understood that various modifications can be made in the invention and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications which may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. An electroluminescent umbrella, comprising: an umbrella shaft; a collapsible canopy frame carried by said umbrella shaft; an umbrella canopy carried by said collapsible canopy frame, said umbrella canopy forming a convex surface and an opposite concave surface when deployed and at least a portion of said umbrella canopy comprising a pliant electroluminescent panel, said electroluminescent panel comprising: a rear electrode; an insulating layer on said rear electrode; an electroluminescent layer on said insulating laver; and a transparent electrode on said electroluminescent layer, comprising an illuminated surface; an electrical power source; and an electroluminescent drive circuit obtaining electrical power via electrical communication with said electrical power source and illuminating said electroluminescent panel via electrical communication therewith.
 2. An electroluminescent umbrella as recited in claim 1, comprising: further comprising a switch in signal communication with said electroluminescent drive circuit, wherein said switch provides operational control for illuminating said electroluminescent panel.
 3. (canceled)
 4. An electroluminescent umbrella as recited in claim 2, wherein said switch automatically activates said electroluminescent drive circuit to illuminate said electroluminescent panel when said canopy transitions from a collapsed configuration into a deployed configuration.
 5. An electroluminescent umbrella as recited in claim 1, wherein said electroluminescent panel is designed forming an image, the image comprising a series of features, each feature having an independently controlled electroluminescent segment.
 6. An electroluminescent umbrella as recited in claim 5, wherein the image is animated by an illumination pattern provided by said electroluminescent drive circuit.
 7. An electroluminescent umbrella as recited in claim 1, wherein said electroluminescent panel further comprises a light transmissive cover layer covering said electroluminescent layer.
 8. An electroluminescent umbrella as recited in claim 1, wherein said electroluminescent panel directs its emitted light outward from the concave canopy surface. 9-14. (canceled)
 15. An electroluminescent umbrella as recited in claim 7, wherein said light transmissive cover layer includes at least one color tinted translucent section. 